Put a ring on it: Red Sox to cap 2013 season at 2014 home opener

The Red Sox take the field for their 2014 home opener against the Milwaukee Brewers at 2 p.m. But before the first pitch it will be, one more time, all about 2013.

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By JEN McCAFFREY

southcoasttoday.com

By JEN McCAFFREY

Posted Apr. 4, 2014 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 4, 2014 at 6:44 AM

By JEN McCAFFREY

Posted Apr. 4, 2014 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 4, 2014 at 6:44 AM

» Social News

For the better part of the last five months, the parade, the speeches, the special visits, the late-night television guest appearances and the White House tours have filled the agendas of many of the Red Sox players, coaches and staff.

That's the life — the duty — of the reigning World Series champions.

Today, there's one last piece of business: the ring ceremony.

The Red Sox take the field for their 2014 home opener against the Milwaukee Brewers at 2 p.m. But before the first pitch it will be, one more time, all about 2013.

The pregame festivities that the Red Sox have perfected under the guidance and instruction of Dr. Charles Steinberg, the team's executive vice president in charge of planning these Fenway celebrations, figure to be dramatic and grandiose.

It'll be the first home opener (of what the Red Sox hope is many) for shortstop Xander Bogaerts and right-handed reliever Brandon Workman, both of whom were still in Double-A Portland at this time last season.

It'll be the Red Sox home uniform debut for outfielder Grady Sizemore, who continues his comeback tour, and for catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who has been behind the plate and in the dugout for numerous games at Fenway as an opposing player.

It'll be a homecoming for lefty Chris Capuano, a Springfield native, who has spent his nine-year career in the National League. Utility infielder Jonathan Herrera and right-hander Burke Badenhop will get their first tastes of Red Sox Nation, too.

The day might feel a little odd for another newcomer, right-hander Edward Mujica, who was pitching for the Cardinals on the losing end of the championship last October before he signed with Boston this offseason.

In all, the Red Sox used 48 players over the course of the 2013 season. Some played menial roles, others monumental, but all will get a chance to join in the celebration.

The Red Sox have invited all 48 — including those now on other teams around the league like Jacoby Ellsbury (Yankees), Jarrod Saltalamacchia (Miami) and Jose Iglesias (Detroit) — for the ring ceremony.

Ryan Dempster is expected to be on hand. He announced in early spring that he was taking the 2014 season off to heal from lingering injuries and spend more time with his family. Dempster was one of the last players to leave Fenway the night of the World Series clincher after throwing batting practice to family and friends on the Fenway infield into the wee hours of the morning.

On the other hand, free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew, who is still searching for a place to play this season after turning down a $14 million qualifying offer from Boston, likely won't attend.

It'll be a celebration of new and old. It'll be a celebration of three titles in 10 years — the only team in baseball this century to accomplish such a feat.

But after all the buildup, excitement and celebration, there will be a game to play.

Right-hander Jake Peavy is on the mound against Milwaukee righty Marco Estrada.

The Red Sox will be looking to kick of the home slate with a win like they did 53 times last season — the most home wins in the American League.

One last celebration — and then it's time to officially turn the page to 2014.

Staff writer Jen McCaffrey can be reached at 508-862-1177 or jmccaffrey@capecodonline.com.